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Once I hit middle age, I became ruthless about preserving the integrity of my skin, and one thing I’ve consistently heard from different dermatologists is that red light therapy is one of the few technologies that really work.

There have been numerous studies showing that it reduces the look of crows’ feet, stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity, making it very appealing if you’re interested in anti-aging treatments of the non-invasive variety.

Now, to be clear, I don’t mind invasive stuff. In fact, I’d love to make nice with the doctor(s) responsible for every Kardashian glow-up when the time arrives. Still, there’s something to be said for taking matters into one’s own hands (preferably from the comfort of one’s own sofa) and doing the type of self-care that reduces the moments you stand in the mirror and wonder, “What is happening with my face?”

I’ve tried a handful of red light therapy masks throughout the past few years and have had one consistent gripe — none of them are designed to simultaneously address multiple issues. That’s why I knew I had to test the iRESTORE Illumina Face Mask when the opportunity presented itself.

It’s FDA-cleared and marketed as the world’s first triple-wavelength LED face mask for home use. This means I can not only treat my hormonal acne and reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines, but do it all at the same time.

From the makers behind the iRESTORE Professional, the Illumina Face Mask offers rejuvenated skin in a convenient package. The dermatologist-recommended medical-grade device is the first of its kind to offer triple-wavelength treatments, meaning users no longer have to switch between modes to treat multiple concerns. In only a single 10-minute session, you can target fine lines, texture and breakouts. And, in the event you have only one skin woe to target (lucky you), there’s that option too.

The iRESTORE Illumina Face Mask’s cordless, lightweight design and enhanced eye protection make it easy to use while doing other things, such as streaming shows, taking a video call (offscreen, obviously), or even cleaning.

And unlike other face masks out there right now, it has three times as many LED lights (360 medical-grade, to be exact) to ensure full facial coverage. Combine all that with its premium silicone material, tested not to yellow or degrade over time, and it’s hard to make a case for not trying it, especially if you’re serious about your skin health.

It’s ultra-flexible and ventilated, providing a comfortable fit, plus all three of its light therapies (Red [635nm], Infrared [830nm], and Blue [415nm]) have been clinically proven effective.

Results can be seen in as little as six weeks, and the mask is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

Light mode: Red and Infrared, Red, Infrared and Blue, Blue | Good for: Wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, skin firming, acne and acne prevention, scars and sun damage | Usage: Three to five 10-minute treatments per week | Warranty: 1-year

I hate to admit to being influenced, but I was, in fact, influenced into having high expectations of iRESTORE, thanks to Dr. Dray, one of my favorite board-certified dermatologists turned content creator. If there’s anyone who could obliterate your dreams about a device or serum working, it’s her, typically with a long list of studies proving why something isn’t effective.

While the beauty lover in me hates having her hopes smashed, the journalist who spends a lot of time distinguishing marketing copy from real science respects this no-nonsense approach to skincare.

It was her review of iRESTORE (specifically its hair growth helmet) that put the brand on my radar. Needless to say, I had big hopes for the Illumina Face Mask. More than 600,000 customers trust the brand, and the mask has nearly a perfect five-star rating on its website — all green flags.

The device’s three light therapies target a myriad of skin concerns outside of fine lines and blemishes, including:

There’s more I could add to the list, but you get the gist. And while my skin isn’t looking too bad (it’s certainly been worse), I could definitely use some help revitalizing it.

I was immediately impressed with the Illumina Face Mask during the initial unboxing.

While the package it arrived in was substantial (about the size of a large shoe box), it was noticeably lightweight. It was so lightweight, in fact, that I didn’t think twice about stuffing it (gently and still in the box) into my duffel bag when I traveled to see my family for the weekend. Usually, I leave bigger devices like that at home.

Included with the mask were a microfiber cleaning cloth, a storage pouch, a USB-C charging cable, and a controller with a battery. I charged it for an hour while I went for a run, and then I got into the fun part — testing.

In addition to being lightweight, the red light therapy mask has a transparent face. Along with giving it a cool, futuristic look, this allows the wearer to see exactly where the light is hitting.

While some masks on the market use plastic, iRESTORE’s Illumina Face Mask uses a premium silicone, along with a hard outer shell. This not only makes it flexible but also contributes to its weightless feel.

It doesn’t feel flimsy, which was my biggest worry when I pulled it from the box. I like to sometimes sleep with these things on, so a rickety, falling-apart mid-treatment (yes, that’s happened to me) type of mask won’t work.

My favorite design element was the eye area, which is padded and much larger than other masks I’ve tested. Along with being comfortable, I was actually able to do things like read or watch TV, something not all devices have allowed me to do.

On the back of the mask are two velcro straps to secure it in place. Oddly, I really liked this feature because the Velcro was easier to adjust than devices that use adjustable sliders. It’s small, but if you’ve ever broken a nail trying to undo or tighten something, you understand.

Setting up the Illumina Face Mask was so easy that even the least tech-savvy person could figure it out without reading the instruction manual.

The mask doesn’t come charged out of the box, so you’ll to factor that in before using. Simply attach the controller battery to the mask, and then attach the charging port and charge. Although the site doesn’t say how long that should be for, I charged mine for an hour. The LCD indicates the battery’s life.

The battery in the control can be replaced as needed, which means users don’t need to worry about replacing the entire mask. As someone who’s had to toss a few red light therapy masks, I assure you, this is a nice feature.

Via the controller, you can select one of three different settings or “modes”: Red and Infrared, Red, Infrared and Blue, or just Blue.

From there, power on the device, hold it for a few seconds, then press the power button until you’re in the mode you want. From there, press the start/pause button. You’ll see the minutes remaining for your treatment flashing on the controller’s LCD screen, but the countdown won’t begin until Start has been selected.

The key feature of the Illumina Face Mask is that it allows for multiple light therapies at once, so Mode P2 was the one I did the most while testing. Of course, I did try each one, just to see the different colors they turned the mask and if I felt any major difference between them.

It’s important not to overcharge the mask, and unless you’re using Mode P2, you should be OK charging it once per week.

This mask doesn’t require any skincare serum, though iRESTORE does offer a calming facial spray which can be spritzed on before using the device. Always start with a freshly clean face. Afterward, you can use the mask.

Because my schedule is unpredictable, especially this time of year, I sometimes used the mask in the morning and other times at night.

After my cleansing routine (super basic, just wash and tone), I put the mask on, selected the treatment and then allowed it to do its thing. As I said, I’ve tested these types of devices before, so I knew it wouldn’t hurt.

But if you were wondering, no, it doesn’t hurt.

In fact, the Illumina Face Mask feels quite pleasant. The lights give a slight warmth, and if it weren’t for the fact that I had to put on my skincare afterward, I could easily fall asleep wearing it.

Only 10 minutes are required to use it, which is typical of these devices.

Real talk, I may have doubled my time a few times, mainly because I find these forms of treatment relaxing. Once the treatment is complete, the mask turns off automatically.

I’ve literally tested devices that have taken more than 30 minutes to use, so the time requirement, plus the recommendation to use three to five days per week wasn’t hard for me to follow. However, for those super pressed for time or with an ultra-low-maintenance skincare routine, even this is very doable.

Although the best results don’t begin to show until week six, my skin felt slightly more glowy and plumper after a week and a few days. Even my dad, who I was visiting for part of the time that I was testing the device, commented on it — and he is not shy about telling me when I don’t look my best.

While I’m still working toward the six-week mark, I’d say the iRESTORE Illumina Face Mask is definitely worth it. Of all the red light therapy masks I’ve tried, this one has been my favorite by far.

I love that I don’t have to choose between treating breakouts and fine lines in a given session, and the fact that it’s so easy to wear while doing other things makes it perfect for my busy lifestyle.

To test the iRestore Illumina Face Mask, I reviewed its overall design and compared it with similar devices that have been tested or are on the market. I evaluated its features, comfort, and ease of use, and considered how simple it would be for someone unfamiliar with this type of device to use.

Finally, I considered the price and whether the mask’s features, construction and included accessories justified the cost.

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